Well-deserved accolades for BBPA members at the Publican awards

17/03/16

Warm Congratulations are due to leading BBPA figures, after their recognition at the Publican awards. Shepherd Neame Chief Executive and former BBPA Chairman Jonathan Neame won an award for ‘Outstanding Industry Contribution’, and Admiral Taverns, whose Chief Executive Kevin Georgel chairs the BBPA’s Future Pubs Group, won best tenanted/leased pub company with over 200 sites. There were also awards for Fuller's, Young's, Palmers and St Austell.

In Jonathan Neame’s tenure as British Beer & Pub Association Chairman, brewers, retailers and consumer groups united in their efforts to lobby the Government to scrap the Beer Duty Escalator. In addition to achieving this aim, the Government made an unprecedented three successive duty cuts.

Speaking after yesterday’s Budget, Jonathan Neame said:

“I am very humbled at this recognition – especially given the calibre of my fellow nominees. Beer and pubs are a vibrant and dynamic sector of the UK economy, with much to contribute given the correct support from the government. Even today’s freeze in beer duty is a good result – given the delicate economy. I look forward to the opportunities to continue campaigning with a united front.”

“On behalf of Admiral Taverns I would like to thank the PMA for this fantastic award. Our business has been through a transformational period both financially and operationally. We pride ourselves on being passionate champions of the supported tied model and this recognition is testament to the strength of Admiral Taverns today and the supportive relationships we have with our licensees, built on mutual trust and respect.

"On a personal level, I would like to thank each and every one of the Admiral team, from our industry leading BDMs to our highly flexible and agile head office and field based support teams. Their unwavering dedication and commitment to our licensees is truly impressive and I look forward to building on this success as we look towards an exciting future for our business.

"Finally, and most importantly, I would like to pay tribute to our licensees. Across our estate we see countless examples every day of their relentless hard work, passion for the trade, pride in the local community and in particular the unique entrepreneurialism which makes this industry so exciting.”

Deserved congratulations to all those BBPA members who scooped awards – the full list of winners can be viewed here.